Building a Better Financial System with Crypto - Farzam Ehsani | ATC #509

In this episode of Around The Coin Podcast, host Stephen Sargeant engages with Farzam Ehsani, CEO and co-founder of VALR, one of Africa's largest crypto exchanges. Farzam shares in-depth insights into the unique challenges and opportunities of operating a crypto exchange in Africa, emphasizing the importance of trust, regulatory clarity, and operating within legal boundaries while still pushing technological innovations. He recounts his journey from skepticism to embracing the potential of blockchain and cryptocurrency, and his pivot from a traditional finance background to co-founding VALR in 2018. The conversation also delves into the broader implications of cryptocurrency for financial inclusivity and the evolving landscape of global finance. Farzam discusses regulatory hurdles in Africa and other regions, the potential of AI and blockchain, and the importance of ethical practices and customer protection in the crypto industry. The dialogue highlights VALR's future plans for expansion, innovation, and contributing to a more inclusive financial system worldwide.

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Chapters

• 0:00 ATC - Farzam Ehsani, CEO and Co-Founder of VALR
• 1:12 The Genesis of VALR: From Banking to Blockchain
• 2:51 Farzam's First Encounter with Bitcoin: Skepticism to Belief
• 4:24 The Evolution of Bitcoin: From Fringe to Mainstream
• 7:03 Building a Better Financial System: The Role of VALR
• 9:41 The AfriCrypt Incident: Navigating Misinformation and Regulation
• 20:25 The Leap from Banking to Crypto Entrepreneurship
• 22:49 Navigating Early Regulations and Compliance
• 25:12 Navigating the Banking Landscape for Crypto Businesses
• 25:46 The Evolution of Banking Relationships in Crypto
• 26:28 Adapting to Regulatory and Banking Challenges
• 26:42 The Rise of Crypto Banks and Future Predictions
• 27:12 Addressing the Threat of Synthetic IDs in Crypto
• 28:59 The Diverse Customer Base of VALR
• 30:42 Emerging Trends and the Impact of Bear Markets
• 34:00 The Role of Crypto in Financial Inclusion and Social Challenges
• 39:05 Expanding Crypto Services Across Africa and Beyond
• 50:00 Compliance and Integrity: The Foundation of Sustainable Growth